Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $574
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
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Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "LTD B-205SM". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your potential with the ESP LTD B-205SM, a five-string electric bass that combines elegance with performance. This affordable yet high-quality instrument boasts an ash body paired with a striking spalted maple top, offering both visual appeal and resonant tonal clarity. The 34" scale length and 24 XJ frets provide ample room for exploration, while the five-piece maple and rosewood neck ensures stability and a smooth playing experience.
Equipped with powerful ESP Designed SB-5 pickups, the B-205SM delivers warm, balanced sound with articulate lows and punchy mids. The active 3-band EQ system allows you to sculpt your tone effortlessly, complemented by a balance control that lets you blend the neck and bridge pickups to your preference. With its thin U-shaped neck contour, this bass offers comfort and speed, making it ideal for fast-paced performances and long jam sessions.
Designed for the modern bassist, the B-205SM features a string-thru-body bridge that enhances sustain and resonance. Black nickel hardware adds durability and a sleek finish, while the LTD BB-605 bridge ensures your strings stay in tune through every gig. Whether you're laying down a groove or taking the spotlight for a solo, this bass is ready to support your musical journey.
Key Features:
- 5-string electric bass with active electronics
- Ash body with spalted maple top
- 5-piece maple/rosewood neck with rosewood fingerboard
- 34" scale length, 24 XJ frets, thin U neck contour
- ESP Designed SB-5 pickups with 3-band active EQ
- LTD BB-605 bridge with string-thru-body design
- Black nickel hardware for sleek durability
Product specs
| Brand | ESP LTD |
| Model | B-205SM |
| Finish | Natural Satin, See Thru Black Satin |
| Year | 2019 - 2025 |
| Categories | 5- and 6-String Basses |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Passive Pickups |
| Active Preamp | Active Preamp |
| Body Material | Ash |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Color Family | Black, Natural, Tan |
| Finish Style | Satin |
| Fretboard Material | Jatoba |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Number of Strings | 5-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Top Material | Maple |
FAQs
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What kind of wood is used in the body of the ESP LTD B-205SM?
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The body of the ESP LTD B-205SM is made from ash, which is known for its bright tone and good sustain, making it ideal for various music genres.
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Does the ESP LTD B-205SM have active or passive pickups?
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The ESP LTD B-205SM features passive pickups with an active preamp, providing versatile tone shaping options with bass, mid, and treble boost/cut controls.
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How many frets does the ESP LTD B-205SM have?
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The ESP LTD B-205SM comes with 24 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and making it suitable for complex bass lines and solos.
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Is the ESP LTD B-205SM suitable for beginners?
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While the ESP LTD B-205SM has features that cater to advanced players, its comfortable neck and versatile tone controls can also benefit dedicated beginners looking to invest in a quality 5-string bass.
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What is the neck material of the ESP LTD B-205SM?
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The neck of the ESP LTD B-205SM is made from maple, which contributes to its bright tone and stability, enhancing the overall playability of the bass.
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What is the pickup configuration on the ESP LTD B-205SM?
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The ESP LTD B-205SM features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, providing a powerful and full-bodied sound suitable for various music styles.
Videos
JOHN’S GUITAR, MUSIC AND DEMOS
LTD B205SM 5-STRING BASS GUITAR DEMO
LTD B205SM 5-STRING BASS GUITAR DEMO
JOHN’S GUITAR, MUSIC AND DEMOS
LTD B205SM Full Demo | Honest Review
JOHN’S GUITAR, MUSIC AND DEMOS
ESP LTD 5 String Bass Review
Hero Bass
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional build quality with a stunning spalted maple finish
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Versatile tone suitable for various genres from jazz to metal
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Clear, clean, and vibrant stock pickups with no need for upgrades
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Narrow, thin neck for a comfortable five-string experience
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Great value for money, comparable to higher-end models
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Active three-band EQ allows detailed tone shaping
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Impressive sustain and intonation out of the box
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Well-suited for both studio and live performances
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Solid, reliable construction that exceeds expectations
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Beautiful design with quality craftsmanship and attention to detail
CONS
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Some units require setup adjustments out of the box
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Stock strings may not meet all players' preferences
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Occasional neck dive reported by some users
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Eats 9-volt batteries quickly due to active electronics
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Some fret buzz issues, depending on the setup
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Heavier weight may not suit all players' preferences
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD B-205SM.
Build quality
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The neck is noted for its comfort, and the body is smaller than expected, enhancing playability for many users.
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Features and functionality
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The B string performs well even with the 34” scale length, which is often a concern in five-string basses.
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The two humbucker pickup positions offer subtle tonal differences, with the preamp providing moderate signal strength.
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The ESP LTD B-205SM comes with ESP SB pickups and a 3-band EQ, praised for versatility and tonal range at a lower price point.
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Comparisons
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It's been compared to the Ibanez SR-505E, suggesting similar feel and performance characteristics.
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A user found the string spacing and neck width of the 6-string version of the B-205SM to be ideal, noting it as a standout feature.
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The Sire M2 5-string has a 35" scale length, while the ESP LTD B-205SM is 34", which may affect playability for some users accustomed to shorter scales.
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The ESP LTD B-205SM is mentioned as a better choice for those accustomed to standard 34" scale lengths, like a Fender Jazz, due to its familiar sizing.
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User experience
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Owners appreciate the satin finish, both for its aesthetic appeal and tactile feel during play.
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A player transitioning from guitar to bass appreciates the B-205SM for its manageable size and affordability, making it ideal for guitarists new to bass.
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Factory fretless basses like the ESP LTD B-205SM typically have thicker fretboards, which can be advantageous for durability and longevity compared to converted fretless models.
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Value and pricing
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Owners consider the B-205SM a great option for those seeking a budget-friendly five-string without compromising on quality.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
Glen Thomas includes the ESP LTD B-205SM in his gear list, as detailed in the Grensan Setup/Gear document on Google Docs.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use LTD B-205SM, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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